Prioritize joy with my Summer Solstice checklist

I approach each new season as an opportunity to refresh and reset — a way to honor the cyclical rhythms of life.

Seasonal checklists help me stay focused on what matters most, so my first group of checkboxes reminds me to prioritize joy before summer slips away. 

The second part — the housekeeping chores — might seem boring, but the COVID pandemic has taught me to appreciate what I already have.

I aspire to create a cozy, welcoming home — an island of peace of joy.

I focus on designing comfortable gathering areas to help build relationships. For summer, that means creating outdoor seating areas shaded by patio umbrellas, surrounded by blooming flowers and citronella candles.

I also keep the bird feeders full for our many winged guests.

Valuing what I already own and managing the clutter is an act of love (and a daily challenge). All of the routine maintenance and endless chores can be overwhelming, so checklists help me develop ritual habits of care.

This checklist is based on my situation — I live in a suburban, single-family home in southwest Virginia, so I’ve included blank spaces for you to create your own customized list.

It usually takes my family a week or two to complete most of the checkboxes, so don’t feel like you have to do it all in one day or weekend!

The summer solstice — the official first day of summer in the northern hemisphere — begins at 11:31 p.m. on Sunday, June 20, 2021.

SUMMER 2021

June 20 – Sept. 22

My 3 most important priorities for Summer 2021:

(A vision board might help.)

☐ _________________________________________

☐ _________________________________________

☐ _________________________________________

Joy

☐ Create/refresh outdoor reading spot (hammock or umbrella & chairs)

☐ Create/refresh outdoor dining spot on patio or porch

☐ Schedule a DIY Creativity Retreat

☐ Visit one place you’ve never been before in your region (restaurant? museum?)

☐ Plan a biking or hiking adventure

☐ Book a massage/manicure/pedicure

☐ Note all summer birthdays (and have cards ready to send!)

☐ Cook or bake one new summer recipe. Cocktails count, such as a summer solstice sangria or my favorite margaritas

☐ ________________________________________________

☐ ________________________________________________

☐ ________________________________________________

Tip: My daughter’s birthday is in the middle of summer, so around the summer solstice, I display framed photos of her birthday parties and birthday cakes through the years. I do the same for Halloween costumes at the autumnal equinox. These photo displays have become my favorite seasonal decorations (and regular reminders to print and frame our latest pics).

Housekeeping

☐ Walk a full circle around the inside and outside of your home (sage burning optional): What needs doing by the end of summer? Just pick one for each:

☐ Inside priority: ______________________________________

☐ Outside priority: _____________________________________

☐ Swap out seasonal decor (ex: wreath on the door, frames on fireplace mantel, welcome mats, flags, etc.)

☐ Replace candles with the scents of summer (citrus, coconut, herbs)

☐ Refresh flower boxes / planters / houseplants

☐ Archive refrigerator art (make room for new)

☐ Wash curtains / sofa upholsteries

☐ Steam clean carpets and area rugs

☐ Wash shower curtains / replace shower liners

☐ Replace dish brushes/sponges 

☐ Clean and store winter coats/hats/gloves

☐ Clean out purse and wallet

☐ Purge drawers/closets of unwanted clothes

☐ Purge unwanted toys

☐ Donate unwanted clothes & toys

☐ What needs mending? Repairing?

☐ Deluxe car wash/vacuuming

☐ _______________________________________

☐ _______________________________________

☐ _______________________________________

Tip: Combine a few errands in one car trip to help develop a habit. For example, plan to visit the car wash on your way to donate clothes or toys. Then celebrate with a refreshing treat.

Enjoy your summer!